Reveling in the Now

Posts from December 2017

12/29/2017

Last but not least, here are the best nonfiction books I read in 2017. I didn't read as much nonfiction this year but the ones on this list really held my attention. If you've read them, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

To see the other books meriting a 4 or 5 star review from me, head over to my Pinterest board.

Like many, I first remember encountering Washington Post journalist Wesley Lowery in the days after Michael Brown was killed by Officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, MO. I was glued to Twitter, hungry for information to counter the helplessness and anger I felt. He was one of the first journalists on the ground and his observations and insights were immeasurable. And that was before he and fellow journalist Ryan Reilly were arrested by the Ferguson police in an act of intimidation.

I could not put this book down. It's incredibly engaging and riveting. We learn more about Lowery's background, as well as how his journalism career began. We see the string of events that sent him to Ferguson and how coverage there- combined with Twitter- changed everything. We see how his coverage of Mike Brown then led to covering the many other senseless killings since by those sworn to protect us. (Read my full review.)

This absolutely blew me away. It's about how we can best navigate life's ups and downs. Emotionally agile people are able to adapt to whatever life throws at them and stay true to their values, as well as grow stronger and healthier. It's a wonderful blend of story, research, and practical advice. David really gets into our motivations and the habits that trip us up and how small changes can change everything. Some of the concepts were empowering, others confirmed what I've already been doing. If you like Brene Brown or you know your Enneagram type, this book is completely up your alley. Even if you aren't into Brene or the Enneagram, you should still read this book. It's truly helpful and clarifying. Highly recommended.

It is rare to read a book and feel grateful to have read it. Not in the "that was a great book!" sense but in a "this book is changing me for the better" way. I don't know if I've ever read a memoir that details the dynamics of a group of friends. Often friendship memoirs focus on one friend or if they mention more, those friends are not connected to one another. Amy's friends come from different parts of her life- childhood to law school to where she lives- and most have met before or are even close friends themselves. I loved seeing how they related to one another and how their bond grew as they supported Amy through her second heart transplant. This is an honest and unflinching portrayal of friendship and end of life issues but there's also a lot of light and life in this book. I laughed out loud and I truly loved Amy's friends and husband. The sacrifices they made (that they do not view as sacrifices) inspired me. (Read my full review.)

I started this at the end of September. I thought I was ready to handle it. Then I cried my way through the introduction and first chapter. I had to take frequent breaks because it made me so sad. And then I would get even more angry about Trump. Then I would read HRC's policy ideas and imagine how wonderful it would have been, especially in contrast to what we're currently dealing with, and get sad all over again.

The 2016 election was no ordinary election. Clinton owns her mistakes- sometimes owning things that she shouldn't have to and certainly things male candidates would never apologize for or be expected to. She also looks at the outside forces that influenced the election, whether insidious like the white supremacist undertones of Trump's campaign or overt like Russia.

On Being A Woman In Politics was a fascinating chapter, all the more fascinating to read in the context of #metoo. I wonder how this chapter might have evolved if HRC wrote it now. It would have been more powerful if she'd grappled with her husband's abuses of power, especially since she mentioned Trump bringing Bill's accusers to the debate. But I can understand how she wants to keep some aspects of her marriage private.

Clinton is a great writer and it was a treat to experience her words again, no matter the emotional response they evoked. This was a hard but powerful book to read. I appreciated how she encouraged us to choose love and kindness and used the last chapter to discuss activism and what we can do as a country. We need to stay involved and resist and enlist where we can. It's hard to think about what might have been but I'm grateful to have read this book and thankful for her example. I'm still with her.

In the course of Nunn's memoir, we see her do the good and hard work of becoming sober, of processing her complicated and often toxic family dynamics, of grieving, of figuring out just who she is. It is not always neat or pretty but it is an honest account of someone taking stock of their life and doing their best to become healthier and stronger. It's worth reading for that alone. It also made me think about the role of comfort food in such unexpected ways, going beyond my go-to choices. It was interesting to consider what we cook for people when they're in distress and how it's formed by our own ideas of comfort.

The Comfort Food Diaries is beautifully written. I'm adding it to my list of favorite food memoirs. Nunn thoughtfully weaves in recipes from her travels and there are many I can't wait to try. The food and her history complement one another and I was truly impressed with her ability to unspool her story in such a seamless way. More than that, I'm glad I read a story about someone who doesn't have it all together, who is still figuring things out. That's where I find myself these days and I am grateful whenever I encounter someone who doesn't have the next chapter of their life thoroughly outlined and annotated. (Read my full review.)

This is a chilling tale told well. I learned so much about the Osage tribe, as well as Oklahoma's origins. I'd never heard of the Reign of Terror before this but it's something that should be taught in history classes at the very least. It's hard to understand how white people could look at Native Americans and think they were less than. It's harder still to understand how their greed could lead to widespread murder in order to control the Osage wealth. We have treated First Nation tribes in shameful ways and while there might not be mass murder plots currently (at least I hope not), the United States still does not treat tribes in a way that honors and respects them. Just look at the Dakota Access Pipeline as an example. I'm glad Grann was able to write this book, not only to raise awareness of what happened to the Osage but also to give answers to those whose families were affected by the killings.

This is one of the most important books I've ever read. I read it slower than usual, reading a few pages here or there, setting it aside for a few months before reading half a chapter. There was so much to digest and it brought up complicated emotions, mostly anger over the plight of people of color and hopelessness over how it can ever change and then sadness because I'm a white woman who benefits from this nation's systems. But it's imperative for us to lean into this conversation. We can't afford not to. Reading at a slower pace allowed me to internalize Alexander's points. Much of the information wasn't new to me- I used to be a social worker and we discussed this regularly in grad school- but the way Alexander established her case is impressive. She laid it out clearly and succinctly. I was particularly impressed by her points about affirmative action. She doesn't have all the answers of how we move forward but I thought the suggestions she had and the questions she asked were fair. Now it's up to us to do something about it. This is a must-read for everyone, especially politicians, teachers, and prison wardens/guards.

After reading Michael Twitty's blog a few years ago, I had a feeling he would eventually get a book deal and I'm so glad he did. He effortlessly blends the history of Southern food with his own family genealogy and the result is both instructive and illuminating. Twitty knows how to tell a story and I was impressed with the way he wove together genetic testing, plantation reenactments, racism, and the origins of beloved recipes. His perspective is well worth your attention, especially as he illustrates the difficulty people of color face in researching their ancestry. At times he loses the narrative thread or perhaps the book could have been structured differently to accommodate the meandering lanes he goes down but the content is stellar. I'm looking forward to whatever culinary history Twitty serves us next.

Celeste Headlee believes conversation can change the world and after reading her book, I heartily agree. We've all made mistakes when it comes to conversation. We've said things we wish we hadn't, we've spaced out, our words have hurt the people we love and strangers alike. At a time when we're growing more divided and disconnected, we can't afford not to think about how to converse better. We Need To Talk offers practical, insightful advice on how to improve our conversations. It's well-written and easy to read. In fact, it mimics Headlee's advice on how to have better conversations. It's focused and to the point. It's engaging. It asks good questions. It invites us to learn about ourselves and the world around us. (Read my full review.)

12/28/2017

While I was first introduced to romance novels when I was in junior high, I've only been a dedicated romance reader for under two years. I have so much catching up to do but what a marvelous adventure it's been. Reading romance has changed my life. I'm serious, y'all. I have some posts in the works all about it. In the meantime, this list will have to suffice.

Of all my favorite fiction lists, I had the hardest time narrowing this one down. I had 38 titles as original contenders and there were so many I'd omitted even at that point. These are the ones I've pestered friends to read, that make me still want to jump up and down with happiness, whose stories simply haven't let me go.

To see the other romance novels meriting a 4 or 5 star review from me, head over to my Pinterest board.

Add me to the chorus of people gushing over this! SO. FREAKING. GOOD. The writing is snappy and fresh. The plot is inventive and oh so clever. (The Or Something Game? Be still my heart.) I loved loved loved Lucy and Josh's interactions, seeing how they moved from being work enemies to possibly something more. The way Josh looked out for her, especially when she got sick, was wonderful, even if it took Lucy longer to catch on. And oh my word, I'll never look at a certain shade of blue the same way again. I cannot believe this is the author's debut! Fantastic.

I was first enchanted by American Queen's cover and then the story swept me away. If you read romance, you simply have to read this trilogy, even if it's out of your comfort zone. The way the Arthurian legend itself figures into the plot was amazing. I am in love with how Sierra Simone made it her own. I was surprised to learn a menage King Arthur retelling totally fits within the actual legend but the way Greer, Embry, and Ash came alive in the page, it makes total sense. Sierra takes readers on quite the ride and I enjoyed every second. Plus, her books are among the hottest I've ever read.

I never quite knew which direction we were headed in all three books. There are cliffhangers at the end of American Queen and American Prince so you are lucky you can binge read them instead of painfully waiting for months like me. American King cemented New Camelot's status as one of my favorite series. The character growth across this trilogy was tremendous. Each character really came into their own. There was so much pain and angst amidst the beauty and love. I felt so much hope and happiness and completion when I finished reading. It was everything!!!

When I first started reading reviews for this, I was intrigued yet wary. I tend to steer clear of anything resembling a love triangle but everyone reassured it wasn't that kind of book and to give it a chance. So I finally did. And oh my word, was it ever worth it! It's best to go in blind. Here's what I can say: Maverick is a character to root for. She was confident and sassy one moment and then pulling my heartstrings the next. Watching her make her way through a relationship minefield was breathtaking and even inspiring. She is the reason to read this book.

As for Killian and Kael, holy buckets. I knew who I was rooting for the whole time but I knew I could be wrong and it would be OK. That's how good Kreig is at putting her characters through their paces. This book made me feel so many emotions and I was genuinely surprised by a few of the twists and turns. Even though I've never been torn between two men, there was still so much to relate to as Maverick took a chance on love and tried to let go of the love of another. Maverick learned a lot and, in the process, so did I.

Adriana Anders was one of my favorite author discoveries this year. I cannot believe this series is her debut! She is certainly one to watch. When I first read the synopsis, I wasn't sure about Under Her Skin, the first book in the Blank Canvas series. However, I read an excerpt and I was instantly hooked. I decided to go wherever Anders wanted to take me and I'm so glad I did.

The writing is gorgeous and the story unspooled at the perfect pace. There were lines that made me want to weep from the emotions they evoked. Ivan and Uma were such compelling, complex characters. We slowly learn what happened to Uma and see her find a safe place in Ivan. I loved watching their relationship unfold because of what they learned from each other. I was worried the plot would go in some predictable directions but it never did. It was fresh and I particularly appreciated how domestic violence was treated. Uma regains her confidence over the course of the novel and is a direct participant in reclaiming her life. The way Ivan handles his anger is mesmerizing and the particular lesson he needs to learn was so true to life. I could not have loved this book more! And if that wasn't enough, By Her Touch and In His Hands are just as good. The books can be read as standalones but you'll see some of the same characters in each one. Anders created such a rich world for her characters to grow and heal in. I love how feminist her perspective is and how she empowers her characters, no matter what they've experienced.

I've heard rave reviews for Mariana Zapata for quite a while but this was the first thing I've read of hers and it exceeded my expectations. Sal Casillas was a wonderful heroine. I loved how kind she was in her personal life in contrast to how she could be a beast on the soccer field. She was confident and determined, dedicated to her family and friends, and she works hard to be the best soccer player she can be. While she and Coach Kulti don't get off on the right foot, I loved how she consistently tried to be the bigger person, while also giving as good as she got. Reiner Kulti is such a complex hero, completely the strong, silent type. I loved that Pumpernickel!

They really can't be more than friends because of the coach-player relationship and Sal never dreams it could be anything more, though her lengthy crush on him is still intact. And yet Reiner consistently shows Sal how much he cares about her, whether helping her with the kids soccer camps or showing up at her house to watch tv. It was incredible!

Zapata interjects humor throughout the book but there's such emotional depth, too. I may or may not have teared up at a couple of points. This is the slowest of slow burn romances and when Reiner and Sal finally- FINALLY!- get together, it was beyond satisfying. Their chemistry was incredible and I found myself sighing with happiness by the epilogue. I absolutely loved this one!

Note: I listened to this on audio and I'd highly recommend it. Narrator Callie Dalton did an exceptional job. All of those accents! She truly brought the story to life.

I've been meaning to read Alisha Rai for a while now and based on the way I inhaled this book, I will soon be well acquainted with her backlist. Holy buckets was this ever amazing! I want to be like Livvy when I grow up. Nicholas and Livvy were such wonderfully complex characters. They grew up together, fell in love, and then were essentially torn apart due to a family feud. But they haven't been able to stay completely away. It's ten years later and Livvy wants to make better choices when it comes to her ex but it's hard to do when she's back in town to care for her distant mother. The family dynamics are so tricky because of how each side feels about each other and Livvy and Nicholas respond to the rift in such different ways. They are different people as a result. Watching them try to make sense of each other and then give in to their feelings was just so freaking good. I laughed, I teared up, I could not get enough of those two. It had the right amount of angst and tension and the secondary characters elevated the story even further. Nicholas's grand gesture at the end had me swooning and then some. As if his character growth wasn't enough! Gah. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!

Penny's characters are one of a kind. They all have distinct personalities and quirks. They make me wish I could be friends with them in real life. With Marie, however, I recognized myself. I didn't have much of an impression about Marie before this. She was always helpful to her friends but she tended to stay in the background, with the exception of her role in Happily Ever Ninja. I did not expect to relate to her as much as I did.

As Marie and Matt spend time together, a wonderful friendship emerges. She figures friendship will have to be enough because it's better to have Matt in her life than not. I experienced every disappointment, every dashed hope right along with Marie. Being friends with a guy you have feelings for is so hard and this dredged up some memories. As Marie grappled with her feelings about Matt, tears were involved. Sometimes we want to be wanted, y'all. While I did cry a few times, the rest of the time I was smiling because of how delightful it was. The characters are so interesting and witty, which often made me laugh out loud.

I've loved every book in the Knitting in the City series but none grabbed my heart and soul the way this one did. Ultimately, this story gave me hope. Dating-ish reminded me I'm worthy of my own love story.(Read my full review.)

If you haven't read A Court Of Thorns And Roses, this will be on the spoilery side. Feel free to skip to the next book but not before solemnly swearing to read this series.

The way Maas masterfully built toward the plot in book 1 allowed her to seemingly change courses in A Court Of Mist And Fury and yet the signs were there all along. RHYSAND FOREVER. The character growth in this series is fantastic. I was dazzled by Maas's world building and plot twists.

A Court Of Wings And Ruin was an amazing continuation of the series. Feyre, Rhysand, and company go through quite a lot to defend their land from Hybern.I fiercely love Nesta, Cassian, Azriel, and Mor. The Night Court's bond just made me so happy, even when they were taking risk after risk. My heart was in my throat for at least half of this novel because Maas does not mess around but there was the right amount of magic and redemption to bring it all home.

This was such a rollercoaster! It's divided into two parts and for most of the first part, I had no idea what was going on. We see everything from Noah's POV and he wakes up with amnesia so we're trying to make sense of his life and relationship just as much as he is. There were so many questions- who was Jason, could he be trusted, did they have a good relationship? I honestly worried whether an HEA was possible. I had no idea what was going on but I was dying to find out. When a major bomb dropped, I literally whispered, "holy shit." It is hard to take me by complete surprise and Elyse Springer did it! The second half of the book deals with the aftermath of that revelation. I loved, loved, loved Noah and Jason. Trying to figure out the facets of Jason's personality had me so conflicted because of the way he took good care of Noah as he recovered, which is played against Noah's slowly recovered memories. They were both such interesting, dynamic characters and Noah's growth was especially tremendous. The resolution gave me so many feels. The less you know going into this, the better but if you are a sensitive reader, I included the triggers at the end of my Goodreads review.

After reading I now understand why everyone raves about Amy Harmon. How have I not read her sooner?? This book was such a delight to behold. The gorgeous writing, the depth of her characters, the magic and the myths, the twists and turns of the plot. The Queen And The Cure, the next book in the series, was just as amazing. The world building is just incredible and it's made me want to read more fantasy in general.

If all historical fiction was as excellent as Alyssa Cole's The Loyal League series is, I would read much more historical fiction. A Hope Divided introduces us to Marlie, a freed biracial woman, and Ewan, an escaped prisoner of the Confederate Army and also Malcolm's brother. (An Extraordinary Union is Malcolm's story but you don't need to read it first. Although you should totally still read it.)

Cole's characters are complex and she gives them room to wrestle with their doubts and insecurities, even in the face of dangerous circumstances. It makes for a book that's hard to put down! This is a slow burn romance and I greatly appreciated how Cole developed the romance around the events. They never lost sight of the stakes, nor their need to stay alive, no matter how great their chemistry was. When they finally declared their feelings, I wanted to swoon and cheer! (Read my full review.)

This is easily my favorite thing Santino Hassell has written. Gavin and Noah are fascinating characters in their own rights. They shouldn't go together as well as they do but as we get to know both men, it just plain works, no matter how much time they spend resisting their connection. I loved how the power dynamics were an organic part of the story, especially because of Noah's past employment issue. I also loved Gavin's backstory, that football gave him a path out of hard circumstances but it was by no means easy. I didn't realize that football scholarships only cover so much and that players who don't have support or financial backing have very lean budgets to get through the schoolyear. It was also interesting to see how a player would handle being suspended- I can't recall seeing this in other sports romances I've read. But above and beyond, I loved the romance between Gavin and Noah and how they navigated the various obstacles in their way. It was a fun, steamy read with the right amount of angst.

I've been looking forward to this series, particularly because it's a sports romance series that will feature POC in subsequent books. You know, like actually reflecting the demographics of professional athletes. To that end, I cannot wait to read Simeon's story!

Samantha Young

I read my first Samantha Young book in March and have been working my way through her delightful backlist ever since. Young's novels make me laugh out loud, they make me tear up, and they wrap me up in the story and characters. I started off with The One Real Thing and wanted to give it 10 stars. I loved the depiction of the town and how close the community is and what it comes to mean to Jess. Cooper is such a stand up guy and I wish he'd magically appear in front of me. I loved seeing his and Jessica's connection grow from their initial meeting to late night talks to their non-date at the fun park. I also loved seeing Jessica take big risks with starting fresh in a new place and opening herself up to the idea of deserving to be happy, not to mention whether she could be vulnerable enough with Cooper to trust him. Every Little Thing, the next book in the series, was also super enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book.

From there, I moved on to the On Dublin Street series, which I highly recommend listening to on audiobook. Those Scottish accents! Joss and Braden's story absolutely stole my heart. They certainly had one of the most memorable meet cutes I've ever encountered! Particularly the second time they met. I'm giggling just thinking about it. The plot is fresh and you can't help but root for the characters, even when they make a mistake. With each book in the series, we get to see the same group of friends and it is pure joy to watch them fall in love and still stay connected as a group. Before Jamaica Lane is my favorite thus far. Be still my heart, Nate!

I'm going to be honest: I judged this book by its cover. But I was wrong. This was so worth reading! I've been making my way through Alexis Hall's books ever since.

This was a refreshing read for the ways it subverted romance tropes. First, it's a MM romance with a big age difference. Laurie is 37 and Toby is 19. You'd think Laurie would be the one taking charge but he's the submissive. Second, while Toby is the Dom, he's new to the scene and has a lot to learn. The majority of BDSM characters in other books have years of experience behind them and I loved the idea of knowing your preference but still needing to practice with the tools of the trade and learning how dominance works. I have never encountered that in a story before and it completely captivated me. BDSM has been a more miss than hit genre for me (pun intended) but I thought the author's depiction worked really well, particularly because of the way Toby and Laurie approach their respective kink. Plus, I just really liked both characters and their relationship.

Penny Reid is my gold standard for smart romance and I’m thrilled to have found a new author to add to that list: Susannah Nix. Remedial Rocket Science introduces us to Melody, an IT worker who is passionately nerdy about her fandoms. Melody and Jeremy didn’t have the most auspicious beginning when they reconnect three years after hooking up. We learn very troubling information about Jeremy and I wasn’t sure he could be redeemed. But I believe in second chances and as Melody and Jeremy become friends, it’s clear he’s grown up a lot. He totally won me over!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Melody figuring her post-college life out. I especially loved watching her figure out if it was worth risking her friendship with Jeremy so it could evolve into something more. This novel was clever and refreshing and made me laugh out loud. There were a few unfinished threads but not enough to detract from how unputdownable this was.

12/27/2017

While I read infinitely more fiction than nonfiction, this year I'm pretty sure I read even more fiction than usual. Maybe I needed more of an escape? That certainly makes sense to me. As always, I had a really hard time narrowing down these lists. I read so much amazing fiction this past year and there are plenty I'd recommend even if they didn't make it on to this official favorite list.

Today I'm giving you my favorite general fiction and YA. Tomorrow I'll share my favorite romance novels (it warrants its own list this year!) and the day after that will be my favorite nonfiction. These books were not necessarily published this past year but this is when I read them. I hope you love them as much as I do!

To see the other novels meriting a 4 or 5 star review from me, head over to my Pinterest board.

This novel cracked my heart right open. I haven't encountered a character like Eleanor Oliphant in a long time. She lacks emotional intelligence, keeping to herself at work and living an otherwise solitary life. It was painful to read in places, seeing just how unaware she is of her social ineptitude. Then there's the glimpses of something tragic in her past, something that might explain why Eleanor is the way she is. In spite of all this, I could not help but root for Eleanor. I wanted her to wake up to the beautiful world around her and to heal from whatever happened to her. Eleanor is the kind of character that demands a response. I laughed, I cried, I groaned, and I might have even cheered out loud for her. Cannot confirm or deny. Gail Honeyman packed a punch with this novel.

Many people are comparing this to A Prayer For Owen Meany (my all-time favorite novel) and I see why. It very much has a John Irving vibe and the characters are so uniquely weird in their own way. At the same time, it stands on its own as an epic tale. The cruelty shown toward gay men in Ireland, particularly in the 50s and 60s as Cyril grew up, was staggering. We clearly see why Cyril became the way he did. He was timid as a child due to his unconventional adoptive parents and he remains timid as an adult, regularly veering into cowardice. But even his cowardice is understandable when his sexuality is viewed as a threat. At some point, however, we have to own up to our actions and Cyril makes sizable mistakes and runs from them. This sets him up to become a better man but his actions still have consequences for him and others. The exploration of this over the course of many years had me in complete thrall. I loved Cyril, even when he disappointed me, and I wanted him to be happy, as much as I wanted him to do better. The Heart's Invisible Furies broke my heart and mended it back together. The character growth was phenomenal and I could have kept reading for many more pages. A masterpiece through and through.

Wow, wow, wow!! I'm so glad Rachel McMillan told me to read this one because I would have missed out if I'd stuck in my "I don't read historical fiction" lane. This was such a fascinating, well-written novel. I've read a good deal about WWII over the years but I can't remember hearing much about lady spies before and certainly not that they'd been used during the first world war. Eve and Charlie were such compelling characters.

We alternate between Eve's experiences as a spy during WWI and then looking for Charlie's cousin shortly after the end of WWII. We know all did not go well for Eve during her mission because of the state of her hands. (Her poor hands!) The tension builds as her flashbacks pull us further into her story and I was continually amazed by her ability as a spy and her courage no matter what she faced, as well as that of her counterparts. (This is partially based on a true story!) Charlie's story is interesting as well, particularly how limited women's options were at that time and especially if you were an unwed mother. I loved how strong the heroines were and I loved how they banded together with Finn. They were a special group of misfits and their relationships to one another developed in such lovely ways. Finn added a good amount of heft to the tale with his experience as a soldier and the aftermath of the war. I could swoon over the way he treated Charlie. If you haven't gathered by now, I positively loved this one. It was a great reading experience and I learned a ton. Kickass lady spies rule! I'll be reading more from Kate Quinn, that is for certain.

Do you ever start reading something and think, "you are my kind of book"? Because that's what happened when I started the first chapter of this novel about a woman whose husband died a few years prior and is not quite ready to move on. Given the subject matter, I wasn't prepared for how hilarious it is. Clever prose and double entendres are my catnip. I wrote down so many lines because of how crisp and witty they were. This is laugh out loud funny, tender, and written in a fresh voice. I knew from the start I'd found something special and I wasn't disappointed. I cannot believe this is Abbi Waxman's debut! I absolutely loved this one and want it to be read far and wide. (Read my full review.)

This was simply stunning. Gyasi manages to pack a lot of story into each character's chapter and the way it strings together was breathtaking. My heart broke for each character and the ramifications of their ancestors' choices, as well as the horrific legacy of slavery. What each family goes through is still relevant to us today, as the last few chapters make clear. I'm not entirely sure about the ending but I'm very glad I read this.

This cements Elizabeth Kostova as one of my favorite authors, which is saying something since this is only the third novel she's written in 12 years. Her books are worth the wait. Reminiscent of her first novel The Historian, The Shadow Land combines two of my favorite genres: past-present storylines and what I like to call "kickass lady academic embroiled in a mystery." It is a rich and winding tale through Bulagaria, a country I didn't know much about. We follow Alexandra and her new friend Bobby as they try to track down a family and stay one step ahead of whoever is after them. And in between, we learn about pre-WWII Bulgaria leading up to the present, as well as the tragedy in Alexandra's past.

One portion is a first-person account of a post-WWII Bulgarian prison camp and these chapters were hard to read because of how awful conditions were but I appreciated Kostova's depiction of how one might try to retain a sense of themselves and where their minds would go in order to physically keep going. During this part of the book, when the next chapter would bring us back to the present storyline, it felt like a relief. I think this is part of why I like Kostova's work so much, however. We feel what the characters feel and experience what they're experiencing through her detailed prose. Her previous two books made me want to know the mystery and the history of those settings but I felt this one more deeply, perhaps because of how hard things have been in Bulgaria since the war and the limitations in place on its inhabitants. As for the mystery, I had a pretty good idea of who was behind it all but the resolution still managed to surprise me and it ends on a promising note.

I'm not at all familiar with Russian fairytales so this tale completely captivated me. While it's about Frost, the winter demon, it turned out to be a larger meditation on faith, superstition, and the line between good and evil. Arden masterfully built the story and the writing was stellar. Vasya was such a wonderful character- fully ordinary in spite of her magical gifts, yet spirited and unique. I loved her compassion for all the spirits/demons and the way she nurtured them and I loved the way she stood up to the priest whose hubris stood in the way of his understanding of God. The second book in the series released earlier this month and The Girl In The Tower picks up the story and takes it in unexpected directions. I loved it just as much and can't wait to see what happens in book 3.

From the first page, I sensed I was reading something special. Every so often I’d look up from the book and marvel over what I beheld. Jackson's writing simply sparkles and I appreciated her ability to delve into complicated issues without losing the narrative thread. I wanted to race through the pages as much as I wanted to savor them. Joshilyn Jackson has a way of bringing insight and nuance to complex issues and she never sacrifices the integrity of her storytelling. You're reading a great story, first and foremost, but don't be surprised if you find yourself reflecting on your own opinions and history with what happens to her characters.

The Almost Sisters is a journey of understanding. Leia must confront the racism in her town and in her family in light of her baby. Her son will grow up in a world she doesn’t entirely recognize and she has to grapple with this truth. All along the mystery surrounding her family unspools and leads to a revelation that undoes everything she knew to be true. This book would be a perfect pick for book clubs or to read with a friend. (Read my full review.)

This is a beautiful, haunting, and bittersweet portrayal of friendship. Sharon and Mel's friendship is singularly unique. It is co-dependent and hard and wonderful in the way I imagine many friendships are when it is also mingled with partnership at work. The plot was fresh and unexpected. I simply could not have guessed the places Whitaker would take these characters, which never failed to elicit a big reaction from me. Like I'd gasp out loud or shake my head or simply tear up. It was tough to read in places because of how heartbreaking it could be. It reflected how gritty life can be, as well how complicated family dynamics can be. It was hard to see the way we can wound the people we love best.

Sharon was not the easiest to read about either because of her passivity and ability to deny the truth in front of her. It's the kind of character that usually drives me crazy but there was something so compelling about her and about Mel as well. I could not look away. Her relationship with Mel and what they brought out in each other was very raw. As much as I wanted them to be more honest with each other, especially as certain developments arose, I understood the tenuousness that can occur with someone who has known you for ages and yet maybe doesn't fully know you now. It's subtle but the way this played out through the story had me holding my breath. I wanted to root for Sharon. I wanted to watch her grow and while it took some getting there, the payoff was worth it. This would be perfect for book clubs.

YA

This gets all the stars! It went ahead and exceeded my admittedly high expectations. The writing was both crisp and vivid. I could clearly picture every scene and I'm not surprised this will be turned into a movie. Starr's POV was powerful, especially as she grappled with her grief over her best friend's murder and her place in the two worlds she straddled. She's too Williamson (her private school) for Garden Heights (her neighborhood) and too Garden Heights for Williamson and there's a lot of code switching that happens depending on where she's at. Her perspective was one of the best parts of this novel and I loved the way she grew as a character, going from witness to eventually speaking out and beyond.

This has been described as the YA novel about Black Lives Matter. Thomas does nod toward people of color who were killed by the police and their respective cities' responses, particularly Michael Brown and Ferguson, but the story of Khalil's murder is unique. By making Starr the sole witness, we as readers have a unique experience as well. This was moving and timely and I hope to God more and more people read it because we need to absorb its message. If we're white, we have got to examine our privilege and do whatever we can to dismantle systemic racism. There's no excuse. If this is what Angie Thomas can accomplish in her debut novel, I look forward to seeing what comes next in her career.

The world-building in Laini Taylor's latest novel sucked me in from page one. This book is Taylor's ode to libraries and the love of books and stories permeates these pages. It is Lazlo's love for the written word that spurs on his dream of finding out what happened to the city now known as Weep, a city he's never seen but has heard stories about since childhood, a city that's no longer the same. He is drawn toward the mystery and becomes almost an expert on this city few people in his town care about. But this ends up being how he goes to Weep itself and this is where the story really takes off.

Taylor's prose is beautiful and magical. She knows how to turn a phrase and it is always in service of moving the story forward. The symbolism is moving and serves the world-building. I loved thinking about dreams and nightmares and what's behind them- this particular element of the novel was incredible. She takes concepts you think you understand (good is good, bad is bad) and turns them on their head. Strange The Dreamer is book 1 of a duology. There is so much story there and I have no idea where Taylor will take us in its conclusion but I am here for it. I loved all of the characters and the cliffhanger in this one is a doozy but somehow I know (hope?) Taylor will not leave us wanting for long. She will find a way to redeem these threads and build them into a stronger story. I can't wait!

You know those books you love so much, you’re practically incoherent? I finished this a few days ago and I’m still swooning. It’s an adventure story the likes of which I’ve never seen before. Progressive, fresh, feminist, and as fun as it’s funny. My admiration for Mackenzi Lee’s genius grew with every page of this rollicking tale.

Monty is an absolute rake, one you despair over and cheer for in equal measure. Percy’s devotion in the face of his society-imposed limitations was inspiring. The character growth was stupendous and the plot twists had me dying to know what would happen next while not wanting the book to end. Monty and Percy’s love story is for the ages and what a magnificent ride it was getting there. Highly recommended. (If you've read this, we must discuss! I have so many thoughts about the way privilege, race, entitlement, attitudes toward the LGBT community, women's roles, etc. play into this novel.)

I loved Yoon's first book so I could not wait to see where'd she take us in her next book. I'm usually skeptical of insta-love stories, especially when they take place over the course of the day, but Yoon made a believer out of me. I loved everything about the flukish way Daniel and Natasha met and the way their relationship grew, with all the ups and downs. I especially liked how the study about the 36 questions that can make people fall in love was incorporated. There are high stakes from the beginning due to Natasha and her family being deported that night and the themes related to immigration were incredibly powerful, particularly because Daniel's parents were immigrants too. We get to see all these different perspectives, making it incredibly relevant these days. I also liked how we got brief insights into the lives of other people Natasha and Daniel encountered. There was one moment toward the end that enraged me- and that's not hyperbole. To see how our actions and inactions dramatically impact the lives of others was in full effect here. This book was clever, funny, angsty, and moving. All of my favorite things in one.

Jeff Zentner can write the hell out of a book. His first novel The Serpent King was on my Favorite Fiction of 2016 list. There were four things I especially loved about this novel: the characters, the depiction of grief, the writing, and the setting.

You may wonder how life-giving a novel about the consequences of driving while texting can be. But this was life-giving because it didn't shy away from the harder parts of grief. It's hard to mourn our loved ones. I can only imagine how I would have responded had my best friends died in high school. At the same time, I have experienced loss and reading about others who grieve, even if they operate differently from me, is part of the healing process. Plus, this novel is really about what it means to live and that's what made it such an enjoyable read. (Read my full review.)

This was surprisingly lighthearted and compelling for a novel about two teenage boys who, as the title states, are going to die at the end. It's really about Mateo learning to live for the very first time and about Rufus making peace with tragic events in his life. Watching Mateo and Rufus evolve from complete strangers to friends to the promise of something more was life-giving. The writing was perfection, both deft and beautiful. I didn't want to stop reading it but I also needed to know what would happen. Was there any way the title could be wrong? The way Silvera brought it all together was moving and I could not have imagined a better way to handle the plot. Did I tear up at points? Yes. Did it make me think about what I would do if I knew this was my last day? Yes. But it also made me consider our limitations and hang ups in a new light. This is the kind of YA everyone should read.

This was the best Beauty and the Beast retelling I've ever read. In this version, Beauty is a hunter, Russian folklore is woven in, and the story explores the concept of what we want vs. what fulfills us. Yeva is such an incredible heroine. I loved watching the evolution of her feelings toward the Beast, from something to kill to someone to save. The chapters are written from Yeva's perspective but in between each chapter we hear from the Beast and this is written primarily in second person plural to great effect. This retelling had everything I love about Beauty and the Beast and none of the stuff I don't. The magical elements served only to move the story forward, as well as keep you guessing. There's a lot in here about intent and motivation that is wonderful but I was most moved by the idea of longing for something more and whether achieving that goal can ever satisfy us. What Yeva and Beast ultimately learn about their wants is something I'm tucking away for further pondering. If you love fairy tale retellings, track down a copy however you can. You won't regret it.

This coming of age story was incredibly moving. Tanner is a bisexual teenage Jew who went back into the closet after his family relocated to Utah. It's Tanner's senior year and he's looking forward to getting out of Utah and just coasting through his senior year. That all changes when he signs up for a class in which he'll write a book in a semester and comes face to face with Sebastian, the Bishop's son who graduated the year prior with a book deal no less.

Tanner and Sebastian are drawn to each other but it's not without enormous complication. The LDS church is not LGBT affirming so Sebastian is not only wrestling with the realization that he's gay but the larger implications for what this means for his faith and entire life. If Sebastian comes out, he risks losing his family and entire community, not to mention his understanding of who God is.

The framework for this novel is a little meta but it worked for me. We're essentially reading the manuscript Tanner is writing for his class. (At a certain point, the class ends but the story continues.) He's stuck on what to write about until he and Sebastian start spending time together and he writes about it, intending to change the names and identifying details later. Neither Tanner or Sebastian have been honest with their community about their sexuality but Sebastian has more to lose if the manuscript becomes public. It was agonizing to watch Tanner figure out what he should do about it and whether he and Sebastian have a future together.

I adored Tanner and Sebastian and rooted for them the whole way through. I have no doubt this book will come to mean a great deal to Mormon teens who are LGBT. Autoboyography affirms that love is love and there is room for all, no matter your religion.

12/18/2017

I'm a long-time tea lover. For years, friends and family have asked me for recommendations so I figured it was about time I put together a post devoted to my beloved hot beverage.

You'll find specific tea recommendations and what stores carry them, in addition to links for online shopping. I encourage you to sign up for newsletters for the companies you love because most have sales and coupons throughout the year or for your birthday.

I also list my go-to tea accessories but no judgment if you heat up your water in the microwave and eschew any equipment. Whatever gets the job done!

Tea comes down to preference so before my recommendations, let's talk about mine. I primarily drink black and herbal teas. My favorite tea is Irish Breakfast so you'll see it listed a lot.

I'm really picky about green tea. While I could happily eat pints of green tea ice cream, the tea itself doesn't always suit me, unless it's been prepared at a Japanese tea garden. (That makes me sound like such a snob but I swear I'm not!) I like white and matcha teas but haven't had them enough to make specific recommendations.

I hope this guide will introduce you to some new kinds of tea.

Tea

Stash is one of my all-time favorites and probably the tea I drink most often. I've tried so many kinds over the years, thanks to their wonderful samplers. I also like that there's often a 10 tea bag option if you just want to try it. It's just a quality company and I like that they're based in Oregon.

I've found Stash at Publix, Cub Foods, Safeway, and Jewel, though selection varies.

Harney & Sons

My love affair with Harney & Sons began when I visited the now closed Franklin Tea about twelve years ago. I couldn't resist going into the store while I visited the Nashville suburb for the first time. The sample of Hot Cinnamon Spice sealed the deal: I've been an H&S devotee ever since. Hot Cinnamon Spice was about all I drank for the next few years. It's still one of the teas I recommend most often. I also like saving their tins to use for my loose leaf tea.

You can find Harney & Sons at Target and the Barnes & Noble cafe though selection varies.

I stopped by the Adagio store in Naperville, IL when I was back home last Christmas. Samples abounded, as did the specialty tea tins, and I'm not sure how many laps I did around the store, smelling and tasting different teas. They have a fantastic Rewards Program too so be sure to sign up.

I swear by this tea when I have a cold or when I think I'm coming down with something. Brew according to the directions, drink, and presto changeo, healing is on its way. Keep it on hand this winter, just in case. TM has tea for a variety of maladies but so far I've only tried the cold-related ones.

Traditional Medicinals is available at Target and many grocery stores.

I'm not sure how I first heard about Rishi Tea. Either my friend Anne told me about it or I had some at Edgehill Cafe, one of my favorite coffee shops in Nashville. Either way, I was immediately hooked by their bold flavors. It's now sold at Fido, another favorite Nashville coffee shop.

Besides Nashville coffeehouses, you can also find Rishi Tea at World Market.

This is based in my hometown of Wheaton, IL! They make some of the best tea blends in all the land. I was a regular before I moved out of state several years ago and it was one of the first stops I'd make every time I was back in town. They sadly closed their storefront location earlier this year but thankfully, you can still order online.

This is based in the Twin Cities but I had the pleasure of drinking TeaSource tea well before I moved to Minnesota as it's the tea sold at Ugly Mugs, one of my favorite coffee shops in Nashville. I've visited one of their tea shops and it's positively lovely.

Miscellaneous

I've only experienced the magic of this brand twice, while living on or visiting the West Coast. I liked what I drank both times but I can't remember what it was and therefore don't have specific recommendations. But this is a brand you should definitely check out! There are locations in the Midwest now- and even one at the behemoth Mall Of America. But really, I should just order online from them.

I stumbled onto this place while visiting Pike Place Market in Seattle. My friend and I tucked into our tea and crumpets and I was an instant fan. Recently, a friend visited on my recommendation and brought me back some Irish Breakfast tea and it was as wonderful as I remembered. They don't currently have an online shop but if you're in Seattle, you should definitely stop in.

To my great shame, I never got around to going to their actual shop while I lived in Nashville. Gah! But since Frothy Monkey carries their tea, I still had ready access to the greatness while I lived there. They have fantastic tea blends and it seems like they're always coming up with new ones.

Trader Joe's

The seasonal options, like Candy Cane Green Tea, are pretty great and I also really like their Moroccan Mint Green Tea. I bought their Irish Breakfast tea back in the day.

Best of the UK

Of course, it is an argument for the ages as to which is actually best but certainly Lyon's, Barry's, and Bewley's are at the top of the list for Irish Breakfast. Yorkshire Gold and PG Tips are great English Breakfast teas. (I've found Barry's, Yorkshire Gold, and PG Tips at World Market.)

Your Suggestions

For more ideas, read through the suggestions on Facebook and Twitter. I asked y'all what you liked drinking and the responses came pouring in! I'm looking forward to checking a bunch of these out.

Tea Accessories

A regular kettle works just fine. My OXO kettle is in storage (along with 90% of my belongings ever since I moved away from Nashville 2+ years ago). I had regular access to electric kettles post-Nashville up until I moved to my current place in February and it spoiled me so six months ago I decided I should just go ahead and get my own. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. I love this one from Hamilton Beach but a word of caution: take the care information seriously because the calcium deposits are a real thing. It's super easy to clean, however.

As noted above, I have this very kettle and it has served me well for years. I like that the spout opens when you tilt the kettle. It's easy to clean and it stays looking good, even if I leave it on the stove.

If you drink loose leaf tea, there are a variety of ways to brew it. Tea bag filters are one of the easiest ways. Simply fill up your bag with tea, fold the ends over or knot them and drop it in the water. No muss, no fuss. They typically come in different sizes. I get my filters from either Modern Tea (Amazon or at my local tea shop) or Stash. For Modern Tea bags, the sizes are as follows: Size 1- Capacity: 1 to 2 Cups; Size 2 - Capacity: 2 to 4 Cups; Size 3- Capacity: 3 to 8 Cups; Size 4 - Capacity: 6 to 12 Cups. I typically get size 1 or 2. Stash offers both cup-size and pot-size bags.

And if you're using filter bags, you certainly could use a regular old spoon but a tea scoop makes a world of difference when you're trying to fill one of the smaller sizes. Plus, it allows you to know precisely how much tea you're putting in. Plus, how cute is this scoop?!

If you brew your loose leaf tea in a pot, you'll want to have a strainer over your cup or mug before you pour the tea. This catches any tea from the pot. Strainers often look so elegant. It'll elevate your day.

This has been on my wish list for a while but especially after using it while visiting a friend a few weeks ago. Think of it like a French press for tea. Except you don't have to press anything. You add your tea, pour hot water over it, put the lid on and let it steep. Then pour the tea, no strainer necessary. It's genius!

I found one of these at SereneTeaz, my hometown tea shop, about 10 years ago and it changed my tea-drinking life. You can use a regular travel mug if you're drinking bagged tea (make sure you haven't used it for coffee before though!) but if you want to drink loose leaf, you'll either need to use a filter bag (either knotted or secured at the top) or this handy tool. You add your tea to the infuser, which has a lid and drops into the travel mug. Take the infuser out once the tea has steeped to your specifications and discard the used leaves. So easy! SereneTeaz doesn't offer the exact one I have anymore but what I've linked to should do the trick.

12/12/2017

My Review: 5 Stars

If all historical fiction was as excellent as Alyssa Cole's The Loyal League series is, I would read much more historical fiction. Discovering her writing this year has been an absolute gift and I was delighted her latest novel exceeded my expectations.

A Hope Divided introduces us to Marlie, a freed biracial woman, and Ewan, an escaped prisoner of the Confederate and also Malcolm's brother. (An Extraordinary Union is Malcolm's story but you don't need to read it first. Although you should totally still read it.)

Marlie was raised by her formerly enslaved mother, a root worker, and learned how to make herbal remedies, along with the superstitions. When she goes to live with her white family at the Lynch plantation, she's introduced to science and more modern beliefs about medicine. Whether Marlie was preparing plants to make a poultice or diagnosing someone's malady, I loved every part of the story that dealt with her abilities as a healer.

Marlie was fiercely intelligent and compassionate. She's torn between the ways of her mother and the ways of the white world she now finds herself in. She doesn't fully belong in either place and I think this is why she throws herself so fully into her studies and improving how she makes her remedies. She's also lonely. She may have the Lynch name but she doesn't have the same freedoms as her white sister.

Marlie's sister Sarah is an abolitionist and the women are a part of the Underground Railroad. Marlie is also a part of the Loyal League, passing along information to the Union Army. Marlie regularly visits the prison to aid the sick and bring what's essentially a lending library. This is how she meets Ewan. They have a meeting of the minds, scribbling thoughts and opinions into the pages of books they pass back and forth. Let me tell you: their banter was on fire!

Ewan is a tortured soul and I found him to be intelligent and kind. However, he believes himself to be a sociopath because of what he did on behalf of the Union Army. He has powerful skills of observation and ways of making people talk. I wondered if he might be high functioning on the Autism scale because of how his mind seemed to work. Ewan is lonely too and the connection he forms with Marlie is powerful, even if neither can act on it.

When Ewan escapes prison, he ends up hiding in Marlie's house...while it's being occupied by the Home Guard. My heart was in my throat once this happened because of the extremely high tension. I worried for Marlie and Ewan and what would happen if they were caught. And at the same time, this afforded them the opportunity to get to know each other better and deepen their connection.

Cole weaves in such fascinating historical facts. Not everyone in the South fought for the Confederacy. Besides abolitionists, Quakers and poor people wanted to stay out of the fight. Abolitionists had their own prejudices, which we see in Marlie's sister Sarah. Her characters are complex and she gives them room to wrestle with their doubts and insecurities, even in the face of dangerous circumstances. It makes for a book that's hard to put down!

This is a slow burn romance and I greatly appreciated how Cole developed the romance around the events. They never lost sight of the stakes, nor their need to stay alive, no matter how great their chemistry was. When they finally declared their feelings, I wanted to swoon and cheer! This was such an incredibly satisfying book and I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series.

Synopsis

The Civil War has turned neighbor against neighbor--but for one scientist spy and her philosopher soldier, war could bind them together . . .

For three years of the War Between the States, Marlie Lynch has helped the cause in peace: with coded letters about anti-Rebel uprisings in her Carolina woods, tisanes and poultices for Union prisoners, and silent aid to fleeing slave and Freeman alike. Her formerly enslaved mother's traditions and the name of a white father she never knew have protected her--until the vicious Confederate Home Guard claims Marlie's home for their new base of operations in the guerilla war against Southern resistors of the Rebel cause.

Unbeknowst to those under her roof, escaped prisoner Ewan McCall is sheltering in her laboratory. Seemingly a quiet philosopher, Ewan has his own history with the cruel captain of the Home Guard, and a thoughtful but unbending strength Marlie finds irresistible.

When the revelation of a stunning family secret places Marlie's freedom on the line, she and Ewan have to run for their lives into the hostile Carolina night. Following the path of the Underground Railroad, they find themselves caught up in a vicious battle that could dash their hopes of love--and freedom--before they ever cross state lines.

Disclosure

This blog contains sidebar advertising and some contextual affiliate links. If you click through an affiliate link and purchase an item I have featured, I may receive a commission on the sale. You would never pay more for for the product- the commission comes from the regular retail price. I only feature products I genuinely like or, let's face it, love. I'm all about hyperbole. If a post or giveaway is sponsored, it is noted in the actual post. I don't blog about everything I receive, but when I do my thoughts and opinions are always my own.